Ponce De Leon Middle School in Miami, Florida

“This school is great. This is my last year at this school and i can honestly say that i do not want to leave. The teachers are very caring, and are just simply amazing. Each student finds ways to bond with each teacher here, which makes the whole experience way smoother. The teachers are willing to motivate and push every single student to do better instead of just punishing them right away. The school has a big campus, and has strong security. The administration, apart from a select few, are very caring, but at the same time do not let students walk all over them. The principle, though, is another issue. She's doing fine with the school, but she really wasn't the best choice.Its got alot of extracurricular activities, lots of educational but fun field trips, and you will make lasting memories & friendships. But great school.”
This review was posted by a student.

“this is school is very caring they treat every single student like family...i would recommend this school highly...i just left ofor high school, on early relase i had to go back to thank every single one of my teachers form 6-8th grade!!! the advanced teachers are the best!!!”
This review was posted by a student.

“I have never had a more wonderful experience in my child's educational career. Ms. Rodrigues is doing a great job as the principal and is very receptive to all parents. She listens intently and acts accordingly. I so wish that all my kids would have had the pleasure of attending such a school, where professionalism is paramount and there a true team of educators striving for excellence for all children.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This is the end of the grading period and the teachers are calling even before I get the report card. The teachers are very proactive in communicating with the parents. This has been a wonderful transition from elementary.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I think Ponce is a great scool I was there for two years and it's been wonderful.The teachers are very nice and helpful.The kids are like family I suggest parents should take a look at this school after all it is an ''A'' school.”
This review was posted by a student.

“Ponce de Leon's staff is the best in Miami Dade County. My daughter loves going to school everyday. Everyone from her full time gifted teachers her counselors to the office staff is loving and caring. The sense of family can be felt throughout the entire beautiful campus. I urge all interested community members to call and make an appointment for a tour of the school, you will be impressed.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The worst and the most unprofessional staff i exer seen throughtout my kid's school years. The assistant principal - name - Jacqua Pendergrass is a nasty and agressive woman, even before the principal's eyes, she does not hesitatate to mistreat the parents, horrible experience on the very first day, be careful parents!!!!!!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This school is great. I am leaving to high school and I have to say that this school is the best Middle School in the area, there are great clubs, great teachers. The teachers care and everyone is like a family in that school. Those years were the best.”
This review was posted by a student.

“Congratulations ponce!!...On the accreditation of the 'ibmyp'. This is my son's first year at the school and he is triving, learning and being challenged. I belive in ponce, in its adminstration, and faculty .... They made things happen. The principal is eager to bring change for the better of the students and school. Keep up the good work!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“this skool is a good skool but very un orgnized i had a fun time cuz the teachers helped me bewat i felt like being!”
This review was posted by a student.

“When I went to school there it was great. We were tought to be who we wanted to be. and I had the best teachers. If I hade a chance to go back and do it all over again I would.”
This review was posted by a former student.

“We've been at this school three years and are glad to be leaving. Some teachers have left a mark for the better with my kids and me. The gifted and advance programs are good, as well as the teachers. Some other teachers are rude and can be over demanding, and some could have better english communication abilities. A lot of agressive kids. The new principal and asst principal is not going over very well with staff; teachers are leaving, some of whom are very caring and wonderful.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“If you haven't been to Ponce lately, you don't know Ponce. There have been magnanimous improvements. Granted, the previous principal was there only 3 years but managed to raise the school from a C to an A. The new principal is already setting her high standards in behavior and academics. Ask Coral Gables police if it's not one of the safest and least problematic schools in the area. The teachers are dedicated and respond qickly. There is an 'open door' policy with the administration. There are ree after school programs and a free bus for students in this program. Students can choose from many clubs.There are intramural sports. Soon it will be one of the few middle schools with a real gym. PTSA is very involved. Make an appointment and see for yourself why some are calling it the best kept secret in the Gables. 'Satisfied parent of 3 Ponce kids'”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I will make this review short and simple:I think this school is possibly the best schools . Another thing the teachers are just about perfect ( the 'GIFTED' Teachers anyway) the councilors are fantastic and the security is tight,and I haven't came to this school and not see Police officers (for protection and safety reasons)the only bad thing is that every couple years the whole administration changes and the kids can be aggressive but all you have to know is how to ignore. So if you want you child go To a very good school Choose 'PONCE DE LEON MIDDLE SCHOOL'”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I would not recommend this school. The administration is unorganized.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“There are a lot of after school activities; but not sure there is enough focus on school work. The magnet program does appear to offer challenging work for the students.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I think even though is a good school it need to work more in helping kids whose parents are middle class workers.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This school has potential to do better, but there are too many changes going on such as old and new educational programs, and new teachers and new administrators. it lacks a stable learning environment. The principal appears to be overwhelmed with the size of the school population and campus. She stammers, fidgets, spoken to, and is extremely difficult to reach. Prepare yourself, you'll probably speak to her secretary who appears to run the school. It's also difficult to reach the assistant principal of curriculum. You'll probably end up speaking to the principal's secretary again or the 6th grade teacher dean. From what I've gathered, she's one of the school's teachers on special assignment in the office.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Poor leadership-too many changes in administration. New administrators every 2 to 3 years.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I felt that most of my daughters teachers actually did care even though they looked like they were fighting a constant battle.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“There is a visible lack of supervision this year, the change of Prinicipals has been noticible and not for the better. Seventh graders, my daughter included have had 3 staff changes in 3 key subjects which have caused caos in their study routine and fostered a lack of interest and continuity in the subjects. I find this years faculty (with a couple of exeptions), disappointing. The school is also over-crowded beyond capacity. The Public school system is going through a serious crisis to procure the best teachers available due to lack of proper funding. Ponce de Leon is a classic example.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My daughters have attended Ponce Middle. My oldest has been there all 3 years. My husband have decided to pull them out and opt for private school. The current principal does not impress me at all and my husband, who doesn't get involved, has had to talk to the principal on many issues. On many occasions we questioned the lack security, the inability of administration to respond to parents questions and concerns in a timely manner. I agree with other parent there are a lot of aggressive children. The only saving grace are the Gifted Teachers. Unfortunately they are now losing 2 wonderful teachers. So what happens now. My daughters are very worried and I am too.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I think the education is the best, teachers, security and counselors are great, as far as the environment I am not satisfied at all, a lot of aggressive children, I have seen the action from my car. My daughter has been harrassed several times with no improvement. Lack of communication with teachers. There is no paper towel nor liquid soap in the bathrooms.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This is a fantastic school! My daughter started there 7 years ago (attended for three years) and my son attended when she finished, so I was there for six years in a row. Every year the school got better and better! The key was increased involvement from the parents and the resulting increase in quality of teaching. (During that time the parents helped get a $1.9 million grant to make the school an international studies magnet and helped raise student expectations.) Both of my children got an excellent foundation for high school (where they are now) and teachers who taught content as well as philosophy of life. They were challenged to do their best, to contribute back to society, and to get along with others. Both of my children had outstanding math teachers and social studies teachers; science teachers were good but kept leaving for HS jobs. The counselors are the best in the county! Middle school is the time parents need to be most involved in their children's lives. The current principal, Ms. Gans, is a gem. This school reflects the diversity of Miami, with a range of incomes, racial groups, and parent experiences. Students who can learn to get along here will have an excellent foundation to succeed in life.”
This review was posted by a parent.